The Conversation

By | Jul 30, 2024

DOIKAYT IS HERE, THERE ARE EVERYWHERE

Moment Deputy Editor Jennifer Bardi’s Jewish Word column, “Doikayt: The Jewish Left Is Here” (Jewish Word, Spring 2024) explored how young, progressive Jews in the United States were adopting a diaspora awareness that includes criticism of Israeli policy and an embrace of the Bundist movement of the early-mid 20th century—which had championed the concept of “hereness” (doikayt) in opposition to Zionism.

The topic, introduced in a short video shared on Moment’s multiple social media platforms, proved popular and provocative. Some commenters on YouTube and TikTok condemned not just the concept of hereness but the Bundist project as a whole. “Actually, I was born in Lithuania,” said @noragutberg, referring to the birthplace of the Bund. “And I know what happened to my entire family—my mother was the only survivor…So, no thank you.”

“Whereas the Bundist movement was a well-respected political movement in early 20th-century Europe,” wrote @saulchapnick1566, “the Bundists were murdered by the Nazis. They had no chance in the world. Zionism is the answer.” @McFluff33 put it in even stronger terms: “By practicing doikayt, one actively cuts themselves off from the Jewish people. Doikayt is not a concept rooted in Jewish tradition but rather a modern invention deliberately created to undermine the traditional Jewish values of nationhood and connection to the Land of Israel.”

Others supported doikayt. “The Bundist perspective makes a lot more sense,” @noisy99 shared. “I am a mixed Indonesian-Australian-German dude, and I have lived all my life in Indonesia. Indonesia will always be home to me while Austria and Germany are mere reminders of my ancestors; I wouldn’t call them home.” Another commenter using the social handle @lulalela542 wrote: “As a Jew, I support this…Our people are stronger together and around the world, not concentrated in a genocidal, segregationist state.”

YouTube commenter @DeborahMiller-cg1ur struck a novel note in invoking doikayt to defend the Jewish state: “The concept of ‘hereness’ gives hope for being at home with peace and contentment wherever you are. It is difficult if a person is a refugee for years seeking a place to settle. The Jews found a homeland in Israel following World War II after wandering for thousands of years. The Bundists would apply this word to the present defense of Israel. The universal concept applies to all peoples’ right to be where they feel at home. It implies staying power and focusing on the present.”

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LETTER FROM DEARBORN

A DYNAMIC DUO 

Bravo, Moment! Thank you for immersing us in an Arab-American community and its many points of view in “Letter From Dearborn: Scenes From the Heart of Arab America” by Jacob Forman (Spring 2024). The teamwork of intrepid Forman and friendly Zach Touqan elicited forthright answers from leaders and ordinary citizens, showcasing both unity and diversity in their interviewees’ thinking, from opinions on the two-state solution to American leadership on a variety of issues. More than one talked about the long history of coexistence between Jews and Arabs as “brothers.” So many insights. I was struck by a tone of serious respect from all parties, even as they expressed strong feelings. Characteristically, Moment has brought fresh air to this subject. Forman and Touqan’s partnership, in itself, serves as a fair model of “agreeing to disagree.”
Ellen Stukenberg
Columbus, OH

AN AMERICAN STORY 

“Letter From Dearborn” showed that, for the most part, Arab Americans are just like all the myriad other ethnic groups that make up the United States. There is a strong sense of group identity, but at the same time there is a movement to integrate into the general American culture. In America, every immigrant group adds something of its own to the culture. Inevitably, this means the bonds that keep the Arab-American community together will gradually loosen over time. It is already happening to the next generation in Dearborn, Michigan, where, as the story notes, many of the next generation do not speak Arabic at home.
Jay Stonehill
Chicago, IL

OPINION

OZ-SALZBERGER’S WISE WORDS 

I’ve been looking to Fania Oz-Salzberger’s writing lately in order to keep believing in peace, even if it’s not realistically possible in my lifetime. I marvel how she can speak so well of too many Pharaohs (“At Israeli Seders, Pick Your Pharaoh,” Spring 2024) and the darkness that everyone feels, even those of us in the diaspora. Oz-Salzberger writes so beautifully with simple common sense, in a voice that is recognizably Israeli but touches universal hopes, ambitions and terrible fears.
Deborah Salazar via momentmag.com

MOMENT DEBATE POLL

In the previous issue, we asked if UNRWA should be shut down. We asked Moment’s followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) to weigh in. The majority answered yes.